Senegal: Renewable Energy Integration Program

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The increasing expansion of renewable energies is presenting the Senegalese electricity sector with new challenges. The fluctuating generation from renewable energy sources - sun and wind are not continuously available - is a permanent challenge for grid integration and control. The project therefore aims to improve electricity quality and reduce power outages through the integration of renewable energies and to reduce CO2 emissions. In order to compensate for fluctuations, the installation of an electrical battery storage system (BESS) is planned, among other things. In addition, this BESS takes on the function of the still missing, quickly mobilizable operating reserve at Senelec, the state-owned energy supply company. Overloads on the electricity transmission network can be avoided through the adaptable absorption and release of energy, and failures and damage to the network and machines can be reduced. The substitution of fossil electricity generation also contributes to decarbonization and saving CO2 emissions. The development of the renewable energy resources available in Senegal is of strategic importance in order to reduce energy dependence on expensive fossil fuel imports and ultimately also to reduce the cost of electricity generation. The BESS is to be built next to the Diass solar power plant and connected to the substation there. The target groups are all population groups and economic sectors that benefit from a reliable, sustainable and energy-efficient energy supply and use. The total cost of the project is estimated at EUR 28.6 million (FC funds EUR 18 million, AFD loan EUR 8 million and Senelec's own contribution of around EUR 2.6 million). The expected implementation period of the project is 2021-2024.